Regal Gaming Technologies has been leading from the front with a £60m investment programme to deliver a contemporary connected and world-leading pub gaming offer. Managing Director Matt Bicknell has welcomed the Government’s decision to address pub business rates but argues that what’s required is a joined-up strategy and that includes an increase in stake and prize levels for pub gaming machines.
Matt Bicknell, Managing Director Operations and Products at Regal Gaming Technologies has welcomed news that the government is going to look again at pub business rates describing it as potentially a huge win for the sector and one which could throw a life line to publicans and the communities they serve.
Speaking to Coinslot ahead of the government announcing the details of its U-turn, Matt Bicknell said: “Regal Gaming Technologies welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement of the severe pressures facing the pub sector and its commitment to address disproportionate business rate increases. This decision represents a meaningful step forward for pubs, which are not only commercial enterprises employing local people but vital assets that support communities across the UK.”
Arguing that the intervention should be viewed as part of a broader, joined-up approach to supporting the sector and not as a silver bullet, he added: “The pub sector continues to face a perfect storm of rising costs, including minimum wage increases, regulatory change and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“As a long-standing strategic partner to the hospitality industry, Regal Gaming Technologies sees these challenges first-hand across both pubs and the wider supply chain that supports them.”
“In this context, income generated from gaming machines remains a critical revenue stream particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.
“Over the past five years, Regal Gaming Technologies, as part of the family-owned Merkur Group, has invested £60m over the last two-years to deliver a modern, connected and world-leading pub gaming and leisure offering to the UK market.
“However, stakes and prizes for Category C gaming machines have remained unchanged since 2014, despite inflation rising by more than 40 percent and drinks prices increasing by up to 80 percent during that period.
“To protect this vital income stream, the Government must now deliver on its long-standing commitment to conduct a comprehensive stakes and prizes review that reflects the true cost pressures faced by the hospitality sector.
“Taking this balanced and proportionate step would help protect a vital income stream for pubs, support local employment and reduce the risk of further pub closures impacting communities across the country.”
Critical support
Matt Bicknell said……. “Income generated from gaming machines remains a critical revenue stream particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. Over the past five years, Regal Gaming Technologies, as part of the family-owned Merkur Group, has invested £60m over the last two-years to deliver a modern, connected and world-leading pub gaming and leisure offering to the UK market……
Originally published on Coinslot on January 19, 2026. Republished with permission.